How to Prepare Your Garden for Summer

As the warmth of the summer will soon be approaching, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate your garden, ensuring a vibrant and flourishing outdoor space. Proper preparation not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also promotes healthy plant growth and conserves resources. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ready your garden for the summer months.

Access and clean your garden

Begin with a thorough assessment of your garden’s current state:

·         Remove debris: clear fallen leaves, branches and other debris accumulated over winter. This tidying prevents pests and diseases from taking hold.

·         Weed Control: Identify and remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Regular weeding is crucial for maintaining a healthy garden.

Soil Preparation

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden:

·         Test soil quality: conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content. This information guides you in making necessary amendments.

·         Add organic matter: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure, fertility and moisture retention.

·         Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw, bark or grass clippings are effective choices.

Plan and Plant Summer Blooms

·         Choose drought-tolerant varieties: Opt for plants like lavender and verbena which thrive in hot conditions and require less water.

·         Plant Summer Bulbs: Early spring is ideal for planting bulbs such as Anemone, Dahlias, Lilies and Begonias to ensure a spectacular summer display.

·         Companion Planting: Consider pairing plants that benefit each other. For instance, geraniums can be complemented by alyssum or cosmos to enhance both the aesthetics of your display but also attract pollinators.

Water Management

Efficient water use is vital during warmer months

·         Install rainwater collection systems: set up water butts to collect rainwater, providing an eco-friendly irrigation source during dry spells.

·         Watering Techniques: water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Focus on the base of plants to ensure deep root hydration.

Lawn Care

Maintain a lush, green lawn with these steps:

·         Mowing practices: You should make sure your lawn mower blades are high and not cut grass too short as this encourages deep root growth and helps your lawn become more drought resistant.

·         Lawn feeding: Apply a summer specific lawn feed to promote healthy grass growth and resilience against heat.

Pest and Disease Management

Protect your plants from common summer threats:

·         Regular inspections: check plants for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection allows for swift treatment and will help stop it from getting out of control.

·         Natural Predators: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings that prey on common garden pests.

Support Wildlife

Create a garden that welcomes and supports local fauna:

·         Provide water sources: install birdbaths or small ponds to offer drinking and bathing spots for birds and insects.

·         Plant native species: Native plants provide familiar habitats and food sources for local wildlife.

Prepare garden structures and tools

Ensure all equipment, furniture and gardening tools are ready to use:

·         Clean and sharpen tools: regularly clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools to prolong their lifespan and improve efficiency.

·         Inspect structures: check fences, trellises and garden furniture for any needed repairs or maintenance.

Plan for continuous Bloom

Keep your garden lively throughout summer:

·         Succession planting: stagger planting times for certain crops and flowers to ensure continuous blooms and harvests.

·         Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and extend the flowering period.

Educate and Involve the Family

Gardening can be a rewarding activity for all ages:

·         Child-Friendly Plants: Introduce easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers, mint, and cherry tomatoes to engage children in gardening activities.

·         Learning Opportunities: Use gardening tasks to teach about plant life cycles, ecosystems, and the importance of environmental stewardship.

By following these steps, your garden will be well-prepared to thrive throughout the summer, providing a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment. For advice making the most of your garden, contact our knowledgeable team at Boston Bulbs on 01775 769333, or email sales@bostonbulbswholesale.co.uk. We have a wide range of bulbs available, with options to suit both novice and avid gardeners.

The Boston Bulb Company has over 40 years of experience in supplying only the finest quality horticultural products from farmers and growers throughout the UK and Europe.